Margaret Anne “Peggy” Rothgeb, 73, of Monroeville, Indiana, passed away early Thursday morning, August 6, 2026, surrounded by her family at her residence.
She was born on February 12, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Henry Celeste (Moran) Schnelker.
She married Gale L. Rothgeb on May 24, 1975, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Peggy was a parishioner of St. Louis Besancon in New Haven, Indiana.
She graduated from Central Catholic High School and also graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Peggy was a registered nurse at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana for 25 years and then went to work for Dr. Donald Giant in Monroeville, Indiana, where she retired after an additional 25 years doing what she loved serving and caring for those in her community.
A devoted caregiver at heart, she found her greatest joy in taking pride in looking after those around her, whether she was feeding her loved ones, volunteering at her church, or stepping up to help anyone in need. Her happiest moments were spent tendering her garden, baking for family and friends, and embracing the simple peace of early mornings up at the lake with a fishing pole in hand. Above all else, she cherished her lifelong friendships and adored her grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy woven with deep love, generous service, and warmth.
Survivors include her husband, Gale Rothgeb of Monroeville, Indiana; son, Brian (Michale) Rothgeb of Auburn, Indiana; daughter, Sarah Lahrman of West Lafayette, Indiana; daughter, Amy (Phillip) Reimund of Fort Wayne, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren, Madelyne Rothgeb, Owen Rothgeb, Ethan Rothgeb, Emmalyne Rothgeb, Piper Lahrman, Hudson Lahrman, Ryder Lahrman, Maya Guenin, Henrik Guenin, Cruze Guenin, Andrew Carter, Katie Reimund, Austin Reimund, and Aiden Reimund; and four great-grandchildren, Isaiah Reimund, Sawyer Clark, Willow Clark, and Rosie Clark.
She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Kurt Lahrman; and a brother, Thomas Henry Schnelker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church in New Haven, Indiana, with Father Sam Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be given to Masses or Parkview Hospice.
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